The Stratocaster's pearl finish has been scuffed by saltwater air and stained with beer and blood. Taylor Moore, 24, played the guitar extensively during a yearlong stay in the Virgin Islands at venues including Club 54, where gigs sometimes ran until 4 a.m.
“You never really knew what was going to happen there,” he says, “as far as gunshots or people fighting.”
Now Greenville-based, Moore infuses post-Stevie Ray Vaughn licks—SRV acolyte Chris Duarte is a major influence—with Caribbean spirit. Moore recently cut a five-song EP at Easley's Southeastern Sound Studio. His backing band, dubbed the Bordeaux Brothers, includes drummer Matthew Holmes, bassist Shaun Ritchie and saxophonist Lance Stockton. “With a trio you can do the Tab Benoit thing, but mix in some horns and you can bring that New Orleans swing,” Moore says.
In the V.I. Moore also worked as a journalist. He likens the stint to Hunter S. Thompson's early novel “The Rum Diary.” Here's a taste: “One time, somebody tried to set a gasoline supplier's entire stash on fire, which would have pretty much blown up the entire block. But a gas station attendant chased them away with a machete.”
Taylor Moore & The Bordeaux Brothers play the Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit (with Charles Wood and more) at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 2 at The Handlebar. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 864-233-6173 or visit www.taylormooremusic.com.
